Canadian Rockies Vacations Guide - Banff National Park » Banff National Park

Eating on a Budget in Canmore

Rick Wilson — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:41:35 +0000

Eating Out on a Budget in Canmore

Canmore, Alberta

Banff is generally not too welcome to franchise businesses though McDonalds, Subway and Starbucks all make an appearance. It is mine and most Canadian’s favourite cafe that we all crave here though. Tim Hortons is refreshing in the respect that you can actually afford to go in and pay less than the typical $75 for a small (or grande) latte. If you are already staying in a pricey Canmore or Banff hotel, you don’t want to be throwing too much money around on overpriced snack food. After a day of hectic activities in the Canadian Rockies, there is nothing as satisfying as a Tim Horton’s feed and coffee.

The stunning sun sets over the Three Sisters Mountain Range is just another perk to staying in Canmore.

Located just off the highway in the entrance to Canmore from Banff, there is plenty of parking and it is also connected to a Wendy’s fast food chain if you are feeling particularly gluttonous. If you have never had the pleasure of a trip to a Tim Horton’s around Canada, then you are in for a treat. There are about ten thousand specials to choose from where you can choose between Pepsi and coffee, soup and donuts, BLT’s and Turkey Club’s – everything is affordable for the normal person. It can be heartbreaking sometimes going into Starbucks for example for a coffee and muffin and paying half your daily wages!

Canmore is only a scenic 20 minute drive from Banff. It is bigger and quite different. There are less tourists and more quaint cafes, cool bars with gorgeous summer verandas. The mountains seem even closer than Banff and the people even friendlier if that is possible. If you are travelling from Calgary for example, you may be sick to death of Tim Horton’s but fear not, there are some superb eateries for snacks such as the Communitea and Beamers. Canmore is a great alternative to rent a hotel room to Banff. There are some great options and the prices are generally a bit lower. You will still be equally close to ski hills and hiking and more importantly – Tim Horton’s!

Pet Friendly Accommodations of Banff – The Juniper

Rick Wilson — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:44:45 +0000

Pet Friendly Accommodations of Banff – The Juniper

Banff National Park, Alberta

To be honest, it is hard to find a hotel in Banff and Lake Louise that does not have a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. However the Juniper Hotel is lucky enough to be the only hotel that enjoys an iconic and unobstructed view of both Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain that spans the whole town of Banff. The location of the Juniper is second to none perched quaintly at the base of Mount Norquay and surrounded by lush pine forest. If you have never been to Banff, you will have to take my word when I say that I am using no hyperbole when describing the natural surrounds of Banff. Simply put, it is stunning.

The Juniper is equally friendly to animals and humans!

When you go on vacation, it is hard to leave the pet behind. It might also be difficult or expensive to find someone to look after your furry friend. Besides all this, Banff and the other towns of the Canadian Rockies were made for animals. There is so much space to run around and an abundance of fresh air. The Juniper understands this. Though there are a few accommodations around town that allow pets, the Juniper goes five steps further and offers to pamper your pet. The amenities for your pet include a plush pet bed, food dish, towel, organic cookies and pet friendly trail maps. If only they could sign the guest book at the end of their stay.

Regardless of whether you are turning up with or without pets, the Juniper has an outstanding reputation amongst locals and visitors alike. Banff National Park is the kind of place that needs exploring and will leave you exhausted at the end of every day. You need a hotel that is located at the centre of everything but also boasts the luxuries everyone deserves on holiday. There are fifty two designer guest rooms to choose from, a full service bistro and an extremely relaxing year round hot tub. Best to leave the dog out of the tub!

Number One Juniper Trail

403.762.2281

Vacation in the Canadian Rockies

Rick Wilson — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:37:46 +0000

Vacation in Banff and Jasper

Banff National Park, Alberta

Mountain Man enjoys his fair share of fan mail and by fair share I mean one a month from my mum. Whether it be Rockies bound visitors looking for a recommendation on Banff Accommodation or what activities are best at certain times of year, I am only too happy to help. Lee Ann emailed me with the following question:

Hi Mountain Man,

I am planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies this June. We have been to Glacier National and Waterton year before last. Loved it. We want to see things from the car and short hikes. Planning to fly in to Calgary then drive to Banff, then to Jasper and back to fly out of Calgary. My question is how many days to stay and where. We don’t mind moving every night if need be to see the most or staying 2 – 3 days at a time.

The colours of Banff and Jasper are too good to believe.

Well if you liked Glacier and Waterton, you are going to adore Banff and Jasper. Banff is gorgeous year-round but prepare yourself for crowds. It does get busy at peak season which just so happens to be June. Make sure to book your accommodations ASAP. Check out our hiking section. There are literally hundreds of climbs to choose from. One example of a great hike with superb views of Banff is Tunnel Mountain. Personally I would recommend staying three days in Banff, enjoying the atmosphere and nightlife before leaving to Jasper. The drive through the Icefields Parkway is one of the nicest you are ever likely to do. Though it takes about 3 and a half hours, make sure to leave early in the morning so you can stop frequently to look at wildlife, sights and the Athabasca Glacier.

Jasper is a lovely quaint little town with an abundance of activities to choose from. This is a great place to spend 2 nights relaxing. Stop off for tea in the Fairmont Lake Louise Chateau on your way back to Banff to enjoy one last night before the 90 minute drive back to Calgary. The trick to a summer vacation in Banff and Jasper is finding the right balance between adventures and relaxing. Either way you will have the time of your life.

Top Quality Banff Accommodations

Rick Wilson — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:08:53 +0000

Banff’s Best Hotels

Banff National Park, Alberta

The Rimrock Hotel is one of the best known in Banff. It has a reputation as prestigious, top quality and friendly and it lives up to these standards. Banff has a host of options to choose from when it comes to accommodations and staying in the Rimrock would depend on how you can stretch your budget. There are 346 guest rooms to choose from, all of which are as naturally beautiful and relaxing as the view waiting outside the windows. One thing that very few, if any, hotels in Banff can compete with is the view from the Rimrock based high up in the Canadian Rockies.

You are surrounded by the beautiful nature of the Canadian Rockies while staying in the Rimrock Hotel.

The staff is extremely friendly and helps organizing any activities you might want to do whether it be skiing or dog sledding. Better again, the Rimrock boasts one of the best and most famous restaurants in the Rockies and Western Canada. The Eden offers 5 diamond dining with outstanding food and the professional staff to match. Many visitors who have dined in here make sure to compliment the staff who made them feel extremely welcome and comfortable.

Though a little away from Banff, it is not too much trouble to get into town, especially if you are driving. To feel so surrounded by the nature makes the little bit of hassle completely worthwhile. Besides with some of Canada’s best dining and an outstanding pool and gym area, there is hardly any need to leave! Though not the cheapest option in town, the Rimrock is a class above and if there is a special occasion coming up then this could be the perfect accommodation to choose from.

Book the Rimrock:

Telephone: (403) 762-3356

Fax: (403) 762-4132

Dining in Banff – Ticino Swiss Restaurant

Rick Wilson — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:54 +0000

Dining in Banff, Alberta

Banff National Park, Alberta

Dining out in Banff is always a treat. There are so many great restaurants to choose from of all ethnicity and taste. The biggest problem you might have is choosing the right one. Now I am a gluttonous man and even McDonalds can sometimes appeal (after cheap beers) however I know good food when it hits my mouth and Banff’s very own Swiss restaurant Ticino is superb. It is the kind of place that you leave feeling full and satisfied but not uncomfortably full.

There is nothing cheesy about the Ticino except the fondue!

The first thing that catches your attention is the laid back and friendly atmosphere of the restaurant. The staff is super friendly without being cheesy while the appetizers are just super cheesy. As, apparently are my jokes. The portions of cheese fondue are generous to say the least. It takes some hard work and dedication to get through it all. If I had any complaint about it, it was that there was no alternative to bread to dip into the cheese. After a while, it got a bit monotonous. However, this is only a small complaint and it didn’t take anything away from the quality.

It is no surprise that Ticino has been in business for over 30 years. They have a formula that has worked for visitors and locals alike and there is no point messing with a winning formula. My main course was a pan fried veal scaloppini in cheese batter on tomato sauce, served with spaghetti. I could have eaten the words off the menu it was sold to me so well. The portion was perfectly sized and it went down beautifully well after the starters. Make sure to ask for any locals specials if you are living in Banff. Dining in Banff has always been fantastic and Ticino is one of the best restaurants in this beautiful Rockies’ town.

Car Rentals in Banff and the Rockies’

Rick Wilson — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:45:17 +0000

Hiring a Car in Banff

Banff National Park, Alberta

If you are looking for a hire car in Banff, there is no shortage of options. The different towns and places of the Canadian Rockies call for different methods of transport. Companies like Sundog Tours let you sit back in comfort and admire the views as you are brought around the Rockies with an experienced driver. This can be especially tempting in winter when conditions are a little trickier for driving. However if you fancy having the complete freedom of popping in and out of your car at any stage, there are several different options to choose from for car rentals in Banff.

Keep the weather in mind before renting a car in the Canadian Rockies.

Here are a few tips to make sure you choose the right company.

· Ask if you will be charged extra after going over a certain amount of km’s.

· Ask if insurance is included in the price and if so to what extent is the car and yourself covered.

· Always fill the petrol yourself otherwise the company can try to charge you $100 for a half tank of gas. (Yes it happened!)

· If you are going to be travelling on icy roads, make sure to get a suitable vehicle.

· Banff is a touristy town. Shop around at all the car rental places and ask what the total price will be. Depending on what kind of trip you are taking and for how long, you will be stunned at the difference in prices.

Car Rental Companies in Banff

Budget:

220 Bear Street. (403) 226-1550

National Car and Truck Rental:

Caribou Street & Caribou Ave, Banff, AB T1L

(403) 762-2688‎

Avis:

Cascade Plaza Mall – corner of Wolf Street.

(403) 762-3222

Enterprise Rent-A-Car:

CORNER OF LYNX & CARIBOU ST

Tel: (403) 762-2688

Hertz Rent A Car

Banff Springs Hotel,

(403) 762-2027‎

Golf the Canadian Rockies

The Mountain Man — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:52:38 +0000

Best Golf Courses of the Canadian Rockies

Kananaskis, Alberta

Ah! I can almost smell the freshly cut grass of the golf course already. I have always loved playing golf even when it was with a pitching wedge with no grip and with views of council houses and motorways to admire. It almost seems unfair that the Canadian Rockies is blessed with golf courses that have beautifully manicured fairways and greens as well as literally the best views in the world. It is almost like a dream sequence as you watch your ball fly towards snow capped mountains and a deer leaps from the lake. When you rest in your hotel later, it feels surreal. No-where is this scene more poignant and the atmosphere more relaxed than Kananaskis Golf Course.

Golfing the Rockies' is an unforgettable experience.

Located deceivingly close to Banff, the drive itself gives a hint of what’s to come. Situated in the Kananaskis Valley among flourishing forests and a breath taking backdrop, the golf course is perfectly maintained. Even in winter, everything shines with the sun. The clubhouse itself is a lovely little building with big windows to take advantage of the sunlight. Playing a round here is more than just playing a round. It is a real experience. Getting a hole in one would only be the icing on the cake.

Online individual Tee Time reservations will begin at 12pm MST on Monday Feb 22nd. It is a measure of this course that there is a steady flow of people all through the year enquiring about rates and tee times. If you are organising a corporate tour, a stag do or simple a family vacation – Kananaskis Golf Course is a great choice. It has the feel of being in the middle of no-where but it is still a relatively short drive to either Calgary or Banff. The only thing you will have to worry about is your game!

Ice Climbing in the Canadian Rockies with Yamnuska

Rick Wilson — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:32:36 +0000

Ice Climbing Adventures in the Rockies’

Banff National Park, Alberta

Nearly everybody in the world knows about the Rockies‘. Whether it is for hiking in Jasper, skiing in Lake Louise or shopping in Banff – these here mountains are famous. The list of activities is practically endless. When the summer months close and you are beginning to feel depressed because you can’t hike and climb anymore. Don’t worry – there are experts up here who make sure that there are adrenalin-filled adventures ready for you 366 days of the year. One of these companies is Yamnuska Mountain Adventures.

Ice Climbing is one of the 'coolest' activities to do in the Rockies...

Yamnuska has been around for over 30 years in the Canadian Rockies acting as, amongst other things, ice climbing guide experts. Every year hundreds of visitors from around the world flock to do what most normal people would call an insane activity – climbing up ice and frozen waterfalls. Regardless of your skill level, the guides at Yamnuska will make sure you complete what you set out to do safely and while having a lot of fun. The scenery as you climb the ice itself is enough of a reason to try it.

Some of the best ice climbing can be found in the Canadian Rockies, namely in the areas surrounding Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise. It is one of the most exciting (and exhausting) activities and when you have some of the friendliest guides who are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, there is no reason not to give it a go. Trust me when I say that Ice Climbing in the Canadian Rockies is one of the most memorable things to do whether it is for a corporate team building day or Granddads’ birthday – it will be carved in your memory.

Getting to Banff from Calgary Airport

Rick Wilson — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:41:08 +0000

Car or Shuttle from the Airport to the Rockies

Banff National Park, Alberta

Any airport around the world is filled with emotional people greeting or saying goodbye to loved ones. Calgary airport is no exception. The only difference is that the loved one you are saying goodbye to happens to be the Rocky Mountains. Why shouldn’t you be sad after visiting some of the most stunning towns in the world, let alone Canada? Bubbling Banff, Canmore and quaint Jasper are a few of the more popular towns but the choices will leave you with lots of nice decisions to make. However, before you get to these towns, it is likely you will have to fly into Edmonton or Calgary. So, how to get from the big smoke to some of the best skiing, hiking and biking around? Airport Shuttle or Car?

There is always gold at the end of the rainbow in Banff.

Rent a Car

Depending on who and how many you are travelling with, renting a car (or a limousine!) can be an economical and efficient option. Just like any other big airport, there is a host of companies to choose from in the arrivals lounge. Make sure to do your homework beforehand to see if they have a deal going with the airline you are flying with. As well as saving money, if you are going to be travelling around the Rockies’ towns a bit, then you can go at your own time and pace.

Bus Services

Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Jasper are all excellently serviced from Calgary airport. There are a few different options to choose from so you will never be stranded. One option is the Banff Airporter shuttle which leaves at varied times during the day, dropping you to the door of your hotel. Sundog Tours have a fantastic reputation in the Rockies with extremely friendly and experienced staff. As well as providing a shuttle between the airport and the Rockies, Sundog does tailor-made tourist tours so you can get the most out of your time by putting the experts in charge of transportation.

In peak seasons, it is a good idea to book in advance as the beauty of Banff calls to everyone around the world. There are desks in the airport that can hook you up with a ticket before you can say “wow what lovely scenery!” In Calgary, once you leave the arrivals lounge, you should see each companies’ desks. If not, there are a bunch of white-hatted helpers who are there to help the new visitor find their feet after long, mind-numbing journeys. The drive to Banff from Calgary is only about 90 minutes and if you are setting up base in Canmore, 20 minutes less again. After sitting on a plane watching the latest Jennifer Aniston romantic “comedy” for several hours, it is a pleasure to sit back in the comfortable seats as you are shuttled past growing mountains, gleaming lakes and grazing animals. Welcome to the Rockies!

Between Banff and Calgary – Bragg Creek

Rick Wilson — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 23:16:29 +0000

Bragging Rights – Stopover between Calgary and the Rockies

Calgary, Alberta

It is only an hour and a bit to get from Calgary to Banff but even so, there is no rush. The Canadian Rockies never really feel real because every wrong turn you make leaves you in a new seemingly untouched wonderland. The big towns like Banff and Jasper take all the headlines but you don’t even need to go that far to get a taste of what exactly everyone is talking about. Bragg Creek is only a matter of minutes from Calgary and it is definitely worth a day trip.

Leave the stresses of city life behind in Bragg Creek.

Situated on the edge of Kananaskis County amidst the foothills of the Rockies, Bragg Creek is a quaint and mostly rural community. Don’t expect the hustle and bustle of tourist stores such as you might find in Banff. Rather, it is a spread out little town with a host of great restaurants and activities to choose from. As it is only 44km from Calgary, it tends to attract a lot of visitors from the cowboy city who come to get some fresh air, the vibrant arts community and downright stunning scenery.

A popular activity amongst visitors is to pack up some food and have a picnic at Elbow Falls. If you are feeling more energetic, you can tackle one of the hiking routes in summer or so some cross country skiing in winter. The gorgeous Allen Bill Pond is a great spot for fishing when the sun is out or ice skating when Jack Frost has had his evil way! For such a small and beautiful place, it offers so much. Whether you are just stopping off for a few hours on your way to Banff or want to experience a few days of tranquility close to the city, then Bragg Creek is an ideal choice.